Pai

Central Park West NY, USA

Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Reviews

Wishlist

Overview

Pai (Thai: Burmese ) is a tiny town in Mae Hong Son Province in northern Thailand, near the Myanmar border, some 146 kilometers (91 miles) northwest of Chiang Mai on the northern road to Mae Hong Son. It is located on the Pai River. The town has the Saban tambon status and includes sections of the Pai District tambon Wiang Tai. It had a census of 2,284 people in 2006. Pai was originally a peaceful market village populated by Shan (ethnic Tai) people whose culture is impacted by Myanmar (formerly called Burma). Pai now mostly relies on tourism. It is mostly a hippy attraction with hot springs. The town is well-known among travelers for its casual attitude and abundance of inexpensive guesthouses, souvenir stores, and eateries. Spas and elephant camps may be found in the town’s surroundings. Outside of town, there are various waterfalls and natural hot springs with temperatures ranging from 27 to 39 degrees Celsius (80 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit). Some resorts collect hot spring water and use it to heat private cottages and public pools. Pai is located at the base of the mountains, some travelers utilize it as a base for hiking and seeing hill tribes such as Karen, Hmong, Lisu, and Lahu. Another major feature is the town’s Wednesday Market, which draws big numbers of Pai Valley residents and indigenous people. Tourists are also drawn to Shandicun village (Chinese hamlet), which is located on the outskirts of town.

Pai has recently[when?] emerged on the Thailand tourist map, with significant construction improvements along with an airport with several daily flights, nine (9) 7-Elevens, several small- to medium-size luxury resorts totaling more than 350 hospitality properties, several live music clubs, beer bars, and three sets of traffic lights. It has resulted in an increase in corporate engagement and real estate investment by both farang (Western Caucasians) and urban Thais. [Innovative research?] While some see these changes as ushering in a new era of wealth for Pai, others see them as a loss of Pai’s traditional customs and culture.

There are a lot of tourists throughout the tourism season, which runs from November to March. Prior to 2006, foreign visitors dominated, however, Thai tourists are gradually coming up in terms of numbers, especially since Pai appeared in two successful Thai-made love films, The Letter: Jod Mai Rak and Ruk Jung. During high season, visitor numbers soar and Pai has traffic bottlenecks and shortages of power, water, and gasoline. Pai has music events as well as an international Enduro competition. Pai Canyon (Kong Lan) is not far away.

Included/Exclude

Pick and Drop Services
1 Meal Per Day
Cruise Dinner & Music Event
Visit 7 Best Places in the City With Group

Additional Services
Insurance
Food & Drinks
Tickets

Tour Plan

Day 1

Memorial Bridge

The first version of the bridge, built by occupying Japanese forces during WWII, was burnt to the ground by the same troops in 1944 as they fled before the Allies. The bridge crossed the Pai River in a crucial place, then after the war, villagers reconstructed it into the shape we see today.

When combined with the plate girders and poles that border its hardwood planks, Memorial Bridge invites analogies to the more renowned Bridge over the River Kwai. Memorial Bridge is a popular stop on the route to Pai from Chiang Mai, and there are some beautiful shots to be obtained on the bridge with the river behind you.

Thom’s Pai Elephant Camp

There are a few different elephant camps in the region surrounding Pai for tourists to explore if they want to get up and personal with the beautiful beasts. Thom's was the first to open, and descendants of the family have closely worked with the elephants in their enormous sanctuary near the Pai River.

Guests may learn everything they can about the river's three residents, Tutdao, Ot, and Nguan, and also nourish and interact with them. Thom's Pai Elephant Camp is a terrific site to visit since the animals are handled as if they really are part of the family; the elephants are properly cared about and appear to be extremely happy. Additionally, you may also relax at the camp's spa, do river hiking, or hike into the adjacent mountains after meeting some new enormous friends.

Mae Yen Waterfalls

Because Mae Yen is the most isolated and difficult of Pai's many waterfalls, getting there is part of the charm. It takes three hours to trek somewhere and back through the deep jungle.

The route follows the Mae Yen Luang river and passes through some breathtaking landscapes. Wearing waterproof shoes is a good idea because you will frequently have to traverse from one riverbank to the other.

When you arrive, the waterfall is surrounded by thick trees and flora, making for a beautiful scene. Many visitors spend a few hours soaking in the pool or having a picnic on its shores since its exquisite location is quite tranquil and scenic. Due to the time it takes to travel there and back, it is well worth leaving early morning because you can spend as much time as you wish taking in the magnificent natural beauty of the waterfalls.

Day 2

Pam Bok Waterfall

Pam Bok Waterfall, located only a short distance from the town center in a very quiet location, is a terrific place to go for a refreshing plunge. Because it is surrounded by steep cliffs, it receives very little sunshine, therefore the waterfall and pool are rather shaded for the majority of the day. Aside from taking in the breathtaking surroundings, guests may cool off in the pool or dive off one of the rock ledges into the deep seas below. Pam Bok is ideal if you want to visit a calm and tranquil area because it attracts far fewer people than several of the region's other prominent waterfalls.

Mor Paeng Waterfall

Mor Paeng is among the most famous waterfall in the region, and it's simple to understand why. It's hidden away within the lush forest, surrounded by beautiful surroundings. Visitors may bathe in one of the many pools or even ride down one of the slick slopes until plunging into the cold waters below, in addition to taking in the breathtaking vistas.

The ride there brings you through some gorgeous countryside and is just under 10 kilometers from the center of town. The sole disadvantage of Mor Paeng Waterfall is that it is frequently crowded owing to its popularity.

Pai Hot Springs

Pai Hot Springs, located in Huai Nam Dang National Park, is ideal for resting, and its warm waters are widely regarded as having medicinal powers. The natural springs that well up from the undergrowth may reach temperatures of up to 80 degrees Celsius, and these scorching jets of water are pleasantly tempered by the bubbling stream that passes through them.

Taking a bath in the hot springs with the forest all around you is a remarkable experience; their soothing waters will leave you feeling rejuvenated and restored.

Day 3

Boon Ko Ku So Bridge

The Boon Ko Ku So Bridge, which stretches over 800 meters in length, snakes its way barely a meter or so over a vast mixture of rice fields; its unusual appearance and position make it a joy to stroll along. The bamboo bridge is placed in a lovely location, surrounded by forest-covered mountains. The greatest time to visit is during the rainy season when a sea of green rice plants erupts around you. While its stunning setting is undeniably its greatest draw, travelers may also visit its quaint tiny Buddhist temple and stop for a drink at the modest cafe nestled among the rice fields.

Land Split

The fittingly called Land Split, located on the road to Pam Bok Waterfall, symbolizes the place where an earthquake wanted to tear apart a local farm, with a massive fissure developing between his fields. The high, narrow rift that slices its way through his land is somewhat unusual to look at, and the odd geological feature appears to imply that a tectonic plate runs very deep beneath the soil. Aside from seeing this amazing occurrence for oneself, you also can enjoy some excellent local fruit and fresh juice from the farmer's stand at the farm's entrance.

Pai Canyon

Pai Canyon, which covers a large area, will satisfy nature lovers and nature enthusiasts with its richness of beautiful sceneries, which some people optimistically think is Thailand's counterpart of the Grand Canyon. While its narrow reddish red peaks overlooking precipitous cliffs and forest-filled valleys are remarkable, this contrast may be a bit of a stretch, yet the environment on display in Pai Canyon is undeniably lovely in its own right. You'll come across some magnificent vistas as you explore its various hiking trails and roads. The warm glow that fills the canyon at sunset makes it an especially wonderful time to come. Pai Canyon, located just under ten kilometers from town, is well worth a visit for its stunning scenery.

Day 4

Pai River Tubing

Tubing down the river is one of the most exciting and popular things that Pai has to provide if you're searching for a good time. Tubing down the Pai River is a rather calm event, in comparison to Vang Vieng's famed and boisterous river parties.

Visitors begin above Pai and gently drift downstream with the current for an hour or two until they approach the town. Relaxing on the balloon tube and feeling the cold water beneath you as you float by Pai's diverse sceneries is a relaxing experience, and the entire tour should only cost you about $10.

Conserve Natural Forests

Conserve Natural Forests, which was founded in 2014 to safeguard and preserve the natural landscapes and ecosystems of Mae Hong Son Province, will please nature enthusiasts with its ecological message, environmental ethics, and successful rehabilitation initiatives.

Its woods and farms, which border the Pai River, are home to a variety of endangered animals, and it is an excellent spot to come if you want to connect with Asian elephants in their natural environment.

Visitors can participate in some of the foundation's conservation activities or learn more about Thailand's biodiverse wildlife and flora in addition to seeing these amazing creatures on their own.

Wat Phra That Mae Yen

Wat Phra That Mae Yen, which overlooks Pai from atop a hill, is well worth a visit if you have the opportunity. The spiritual location is a wonderfully calm area to spend some quiet reflection time. After sweating your climb up the 353 steps to Wat Phra That Mae Yen, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the nearby mountains and landscape.

Aside from the spectacular white Buddha statue that stands above the complex, the major attraction is its exquisite temple, golden chedis, and breathtaking outlook. The temple and its brilliant white Buddha are one of Pai's most famous tourist attractions, especially at sunrise and sunset.